Page 31 of Fated to the Alien Healer

Carefully, he helps me put my arm back in it and adjusts the fit. It’s really hurting, but I don’t regret what he and I just did. I move to stand, but he stops me with gentle hands on my face.

“I love you,” Kyler says. “It is all right if you do not feel the same yet, but I could not go another beat of my heart without telling you.”

Emotion wells up inside me. The only person who ever told me they loved me and meant it was Amelia. A part of me has always thought I’m unloveable. Even now, after hearing Kyler say it, I want to dismiss it. That he’s only telling me that because I made him come. But the part of me that has hungered for it—craved it—wants to believe he truly means it.

I open my mouth to say…I don’t know what, but he stops any words I might have uttered with a soft and gentle kiss. He draws back and climbs to his feet.

“Come, let us go to the healer’s tent. I will tighten your splint again and get something for your pain.” He holds out his hand and helps me up.

I’m not going to question how he knows I’m hurting, but I hold tightly to him as we leave my tent and step out into the sunshine.

Chapter 16

Kyler

The energy of the village is buzzing like a horde of mushkanja. It is always an exciting turn when the Bohnari visit. I leave the healer’s tent where I have been since I tightened Zara’s splint and gave her more burim root. She did not stay long, but instead, after a lingering kiss that set my mind at ease, went to go find her tribe sisters.

The scent of the midday meal sweeps in on the breeze, and I head for the central fire in search of my mate. The village is teeming with activity. Females and males—Tavikhi and humans alike—wander around. Some carry animal skins or food while others carry weapons. Kits race around, chasing each other, their laughter adding to the sounds of sparring that carries in from the training arena at the bottom of the rise.

It is easy to forget that only a few turns ago, a battle occurred, until my gaze sweeps side-to-side and takes in the burnt patches of land that spot the ground and the missing number of tents. Acelebration of life was scheduled for tonight for those we lost in the Njeri attack, but it may be postponed until the Bohnari leave.

A small number of tribespeople gather around the central fire. Most of them attend the meal that will be served soon, but my eyes land on my mate. She sits with the shefira, who has one of the implements that Benham has been crafting for her to use to teach the kits how to read and write. I am not sure how useful this skill is, but London says that eventually, as the kits grow older, they will be able to carve stories of Tavikhi and Earth history on them.

As though sensing my gaze on her, Zara lifts her head and looks directly at me. A large smile blooms on her face like the petals of the trendafili flower opens for the sun. My soul light surges brightly within my chest and warmth spreads throughout me as I close the distance between us. Love fills my heart to nearly bursting.

I come to a stop in front of them and fist my chest. “Greetings,keeshla. Shefira.”

Zara stands and kisses me. Her fingers slide through mine. I am pleased that she does not hide her affection. I wrap my tail around her waist. Unlike earlier, this is not a show of possession, but rather my own affection for her. When she smiles up at me, I would like to believe it is because she understands the difference.

“Hi, Kyler,” London returns my greeting. “How are the injured warriors doing?”

“They are healing well. Several are anxious to leave and return to training, although it will still be at least two turns before I willrelease them. I do not want them to injure themselves again by sparring too soon.”

She nods. “I’m so glad to hear that. Zander has been worried.”

I glance around. It is not usual for the shefir to not be by his shefira’s side during meal times. As though hearing my unasked question, London speaks again. “He’ll be here soon. He and Alik are talking about whatever tribe leaders talk about.”

Footsteps approach. As if conjured by her words, Zander and the Bohnari walk toward us. Zara squeezes my fingers and leans into me. I glance down at her and she rises up to press her lips against mine. She draws back, closes one eye before opening it again quickly, and turns toward the two males. I will have to ask her about this gesture when we are alone.

The moment Zander is within reach, his tail wraps around London and he greets her with a kiss and whispered words. My gaze is on Alik and for beat, I am almost certain a flash of longing crosses his face, but it disappears so swiftly, I must be mistaken.

“Shefira,” the Bohnari greets London with a bow when she finally turns to face him.

London nods.

“Greetings, Kyler.” Zander fists his chest and I return it.

“Healer.” the Bohnari leader dips his head and his gaze shifts to my mate. “Zara.”

“Alik,” she says, but her tone is neutral and I try not to gloat.

“The rest of the Bohnari should be arriving soon and then the celebration will begin,” Zander announces. “We will becelebrating not only our allies, but also our fallen tribe brothers and sisters.”

“My people are honored to be included in celebrating the lives of yours. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of it. No doubt they will be missed by all.” Alik displays a far more serious demeanor than I have witnessed from him before.

Perhaps there is more to the Bohnari than I previously thought.

“Many thanks.” Zander fists his chest and Alik does the same.

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